University of Twente in the Netherlands is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in Multimodal Conversational AI for Cultural Heritage. The role focuses on developing AI-driven conversational systems for museum environments through studies in artificial intelligence, human–computer interaction, and digital humanities.
The successful candidate will join the Human Media Interaction group within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS). The project, titled “Balancing Personalisation and Polyvocality: Dialogic Interaction for Open-mindedness and Empathy in Conversational AI”, explores how intelligent systems can combine personalised interactions with diverse cultural perspectives.
The study will examine multimodal conversational agents that interpret visitor interactions using speech, eye gaze, and dialogue content. These methods will inform adaptive dialogue strategies that promote engagement, curiosity, reflection, and openness towards different viewpoints.
The appointment involves interdisciplinary work across conversational AI, human–computer interaction, user modelling, and cultural heritage. The researcher will collaborate with academics, museum professionals, and Hybrid Intelligence Centre partners to design and assess AI-supported museum experiences.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Multimodal Conversational AI for Cultural Heritage
- Official Reference Number: Not specified
- Institution: University of Twente, Netherlands
- Department: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS)
- Research Discipline(s): Artificial Intelligence, Human–Computer Interaction, Conversational AI, Digital Humanities, Cultural Heritage
- Location: Enschede, Netherlands
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: 1 year, with possible extension for 2 additional years after positive evaluation
- Start Date: Not specified
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week
- Salary/Funding: €3,546–€5,538 gross per month, depending on experience and qualifications
- Required Qualification: PhD in computer science, artificial intelligence, human–computer interaction, computational social science, digital humanities, cognitive science, or related fields
Research Areas:
The Cultural Heritage AI Postdoc position at the University of Twente focuses following research ares
- Multimodal conversational AI
- Dialogue systems and human–agent interaction
- User modelling and adaptive systems
- Cultural heritage interpretation
- Human–computer interaction
- Multimodal analysis
- Virtual reality-based user studies
- Knowledge representation and semantic technologies
Eligibility / Qualifications
The Cultural Heritage AI Postdoc position at the University of Twente requires the following qualifications:
- A PhD in computer science, artificial intelligence, human–computer interaction, computational social science, digital humanities, cognitive science, or a related field.
- Experience with conversational AI, dialogue systems, human–agent interaction, adaptive technologies, user modelling, or multimodal interaction research.
- Experience applying empirical research methods, including user studies and evaluation of interactive systems.
- Strong analytical abilities, academic writing skills, and effective English communication.
- Ability to conduct independent research while working collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.
Desirable experience includes:
- Multimodal interaction analysis, eye tracking, speech processing, or affective computing techniques.
- Virtual reality experiments, immersive technologies, and user experience evaluation.
- Adaptive dialogue management, reinforcement learning, or decision-making methods for conversational agents.
- Computational modelling of engagement, curiosity, openness, or resistance in human–AI interaction.
- Knowledge graphs, ontologies, semantic technologies, or Linked Data applications.
- Cultural heritage research, museum studies, digital humanities, or participatory design approaches.
Key Responsibilities
The postdoctoral researcher will:
- Conduct research on multimodal conversational AI, dialogic interaction, user modelling, and cultural heritage interpretation.
- Develop multimodal models using gaze, speech, and dialogue data to identify visitor interaction states.
- Design adaptive dialogue strategies that balance personalisation with diverse perspectives.
- Conduct VR-based user studies evaluating engagement, empathy, curiosity, openness, and reflection.
- Develop reusable datasets, experimental infrastructure, evaluation methods, and software components.
- Publish research findings in international academic journals and conferences.
Funding and Benefits
The University of Twente provides employment conditions according to the Dutch universities’ collective labour agreement (CAO-NU). The position includes:
- Salary: Gross monthly salary of €3,546–€5,538, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Holiday allowance: 8% of the gross annual salary.
- Year-end bonus: 8.3% additional payment.
- Pension scheme according to university employment conditions.
- Flexible working arrangements, including partial home working.
- Research facilities and professional development support.
Application Process
Applicants should submit their CV, motivation letter, and references through the University of Twente vacancy portal before the deadline.
Required application documents:
- Curriculum vitae, including a publication list.
- Motivation letter explaining interest in the position and relevant research experience.
- Contact details of two academic references.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Available through the University of Twente vacancy portal
- Application Deadline: 16 August 2026
- Interview Period: Not specified
- Expected Start Date: Not specified
Eligible candidates should review the official vacancy details through the Apply Now button and submit their complete application via the University of Twente application portal before 16 August 2026 for consideration for this position.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Postdoctoral Research Positions
- Fully Funded PhD Opportunities
- Digital Humanities Research Opportunities
- Cultural Heritage Research Jobs
- Netherlands Academic Positions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Postdoctoral Researcher position at the University of Twente?
It is a research role focused on multimodal conversational AI, cultural heritage, and human–computer interaction.
What qualifications are required for the Conversational AI postdoc?
Applicants need a relevant PhD and experience in conversational AI, dialogue systems, or related research areas.
What is the salary for the University of Twente postdoctoral position?
The salary is €3,546–€5,538 gross per month, depending on experience.
What research areas are covered in this project?
The project covers conversational AI, digital humanities, cultural heritage, and multimodal interaction.
Institutional Overview
The University of Twente is a public university in Enschede, Netherlands, combining technology and social sciences to address societal challenges. The institution works across engineering, digital technologies, healthcare, and sustainable development through diverse academic activities. Its Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science contributes to advances in information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, and related disciplines. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through centres, academic partnerships, and projects involving scholars, industry partners, and wider communities. Its academic environment supports innovation by linking technological development with practical applications and human needs across various sectors.
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